Sob Stories

Pinkzie

Mostly, I don't find anything wrong with genuine reasons people use to try and win a competition even if it's a 'sob' story but there's a part of it that doesn't sit right. My issue is, when illnesses and sad things are brought into the equation of a judged competition, I find it twisted that the promoter could be judging on how bad someone has it and comparing peoples problems. What if multiple people are all genuinely going through similar sad times without stretching the truth? how is it fair to choose from those people and decide someone deserves it more than the other people based on their struggles?
I hate the thought of someone doing that with something I say so I don't bring anything personal that would be seen as a sob story into entries but that's just my view. I wouldn't even like to burden people reading about my troubles in case it upsets them or reminds them of something that may be relevant in their own life. I love the light hearted, out of the box creative entries and I am glad a lot of promoters appreciate those too.


I do think the 'Why should you win?' does encourage people though. I just try not to read them and whenever I run small competitions on my Facebook page, I just do a random draw.

emmaandbunni

I think it depends on if they ask for one or not, I don't usually give out that much personal info when entering comps. I do one like tell us your best joke or what you like in your sandwich.
but sorry think I may wins hands down if it's a sob story comp, three disabled children (one life limited) 2x sister and mum with cancer, friend with terminal cancer (aged 27) step dad died all in four years do your best. but would I put this on facebook for a packet of sweets umm! not really but maybe a florida holiday

SwishFlares

i think the detailed sob stories are horrible, everyone has troubles and problems, detailing a big long list of them to try and win a weekend away or a spa break is just crass in my opinion

i either ignore those competitions or just write something amusing

edit to say that i agree with oliveoyl - if they've specifically asked for the story, then fair enough.

serenity2012

Like someone else said this is the one thing that really gets me angry. Makes no difference whether someone has a genuine illness or a member of their family does. Or any other problem. It should not be relevant to them winning a stereo, money, ipad or anything else and does not make them more deserving. The ONLY time it is relevant and they are of course more needy of the prize is if the comp is for a relevant item to their illness/disability or the comp specifically asks for a 'why do you deserve'. It always leaves me feeling really embarrassed for them that they would either fake it or use real disabilities of children or family members in order to get a prize such as an ipad or dvd. I have never been able to fathom that.